By Thursday, March 30, 1865 massive rains slowed the Federal advance against the Confederate right flank at Petersburg. Extensive skirmishing occurred, with Fitzhugh Lee’s and Pickett’s troops repulsing Sheridan’s Union cavalry near Five Forks. However, any significant movement of Confederate troops within the Petersburg area placed stress on the Confederate defensive line, and a reconnaissance near Petersburg convinced Grant and the Union high command that it was practicable for the Federals to attempt an assault. On the following day Sheridan attacked but was repulsed at Dinwiddle Court House. However, acknowledging the superior manpower of the Federals, Pickett and Fitzhugh Lee retreated to Five Forks and prepared to be attacked on the following day. “Hold Five Forks at all hazards,” Lee instructed Pickett, knowing fully the consequences if he failed.
00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.